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Can Your GLP-1 Medication Make You More Prone to Heat Illness?
GLP-1 agonists—such as semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro)—have revolutionized diabetes and weight management. While they help improve blood sugar control and support weight loss, it’s important to understand how these medications, along with diabetes itself, can increase the risk of heat-related illness in Central Texas’ summer heat.
Why GLP-1s and Heat Don’t Always Mix
1. Digestive effects that can dehydrate
GLP-1s often slow digestion, resulting in side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea/constipation. Coupled with high temperatures and humidity, this may push you into dehydration faster, even on a seemingly normal day.
2. Reduced appetite, reduced thirst
These medications can suppress both appetite and thirst, making it easier to overlook the need for fluids, especially when you’re sweating more in the heat.
Why People with Diabetes Face Greater Heat Risk
Even without GLP-1s, people with diabetes are more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration, and certain diabetes complications, like nerve damage or reduced sweat gland function, can impair the body’s ability to cool down. Additionally, people with diabetes may not feel early warning signs of heat exhaustion as clearly, especially if they have neuropathy. Some diabetes-related blood pressure medications (like diuretics or beta-blockers) can also affect fluid balance or heart rate, further complicating the body’s heat response.
Making Safe Choices in the Heat
Here are practical tips to reduce your risk of heat-related illness:
- Hydration is essential: Carry water or electrolyte drinks and sip regularly, even before you feel thirsty. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages.
- Choose cooler hours for activity: Exercise early morning or evening when temperatures are lower and humidity is less intense.
- Dress smart: Opt for light, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, and protective accessories like hats or cooling towels.
- Monitor the heat index: Central Texas summers often reach triple digits, and with humidity, it can feel like 104°F or higher. Avoid going outdoors during peak heat hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., to reduce your risk of heat-related illness.
- Protect temperature-sensitive supplies: Insulin, pumps, glucose strips, and sensors can lose effectiveness or be damaged in high heat.
- Track symptoms and call your care team: Watch for nausea, dizziness, weakness, confusion, or fainting, and stay connected if you’re experiencing side effects or changes in glucose.
If you’re managing diabetes with GLP-1s or other medications, be sure to plan ahead to stay on track and avoid heat-related complications.
Diabetes, Thyroid and Osteoporosis Specialists in Austin, TX
If you’d like to schedule an appointment with one of our endocrinologists at Texas Diabetes & Endocrinology and discover how our diabetes services and other endocrinology therapies can help you lead a full and active life, please contact us at (512) 458-8400 or request an appointment online.
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